Doom..
doomed? The word "doom" refers to "inevitable destruction
or ruin". Looking at this and the property market one
cannot help to wonder what is in stall for home owners. Currently
there is a panic in the market. According to the reporters of Finweek
realtors say South Africa's housing correction is far deeper
and wider as anticipated and that the market could be heading for
a crash.

Sellers needs to be patient, thus from Sameul Seeff, Seeff
Property Group. According to him high interest rates and inflation
are not the only factors determining property prices. A positive
influence can be the build up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup and could
be seen within the next year.

But in the mean time life goes on. What can we do to soften the
blow of the current interest rates and that to come in the near
future as predicted? Home owners can apply for the longest
possible repayment period on their home. Qualifying
for a longer repayment period does not increase the amount of interest
paid as this is charged on the outstanding balance of the loan each
month, unlike vehicle finance where the full interest amount is
paid first and the balance of the loan only reduces once all the
interest is paid, Ronell Killina, Amdec Property Developments,
Head of bond origination.

Rates put brakes on car sales and not only on the sale of property
- New vehicle sales fell by 17.5%, or 10 103 units, year-on-year
in March to 47 778 units as higher interest rates continue to eat
into buyers' pockets.

Have you had your home on the market for months and, despite having
many show houses, and loads of people viewing your home during the
week, you have not had an offer to purchase? BetterBond's
tips to home buyers and sellers.

The Gem of the Overberg Region, world renowned for the natural
hot mineral water springs, but also a historically and agriculturally
the hub of the area, surrounded by magnificent natural beauty and
fynbos, Focus on Caledon, Western Cape, South Africa.

Don't forget to visit our CyberProp
Blog for more property news and views.

Thabo Ngcobo, the CEO of Sahluma Properties,
and Inframax Developments joint venture partner in their R55 million
mixed use The Lighthouse project in the Umhlanga Gateway precinct,
has advised other previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs coming into property
development to do as he did  team up with an experienced and reliable
partner who is prepared to coach all along the line...

>> Property swaps: ditching unwanted assets

Now
you can swap real estate you don't want for a piece of eco-estate - new
property exchange.

Now you can swap real estate you don't want for a piece of eco-estate
that a developer doesn't want.

That's the deal being offered by a property bartering website, recently
launched by a developer who says his aim is to diversify his own real
estate portfolio...

>> First-time buyers must beware the hype

In
the current property market, buyers are kingpins heavily courted by developers
and estate agents alike - but first-time buyers in particular should take
care not to be seduced into serious and potentially costly mistakes.

So says Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property
group, who notes that in the excitement of hunting for a first home, many
buyers become over-enthusiastic and run the risk of succumbing to hype,
particularly in new developments where they may be subjected to high-pressure
sales tactics...

>> News from - Nationlink Property Group

How
to avoid the worst home sale traps

With the real estate market marking time before an expected upturn next
year, nows a good time to steer clear of some common mistakes that
can easily block a property sale.

Homebuyers and sellers are often their own worst enemies,
says Dr Piet Botha, chairman of the Nationlink estate agency group, but
in the current market climate they need to be especially careful to keep
the sale process going smoothly...

>> Emigration could unlock SAs struggling affordable market

JOHANNESBURG (April 24)  South African financial information website
Fin24 reported recently that thousands of South Africans are once again
considering leaving the country in search of a better life.

Most, according to a media release from real estate franchise Realty
1 International, advance crime as their main reason for leaving, but the
current uncertainty over the future leadership of the country, the deteriorating
infrastructure and the high interest rates are equally pertinent to the
decisions being made. On top of this, the global demand for skilled workers
in mostly first world countries offers an attractive opportunity to embattled
South Africans...

>> Letters to the editor

In response to the article Property swaps: ditching unwanted assets,
do you think swapping of property can work?

Caledon,
capital of the Overberg, and one of the seven oldest towns in South Africa,
lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg. It is known for its natural mineral
waters, hot springs and wild flower show.

Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa An elegant hotel and spa graces the site
of the hot water springs offering the benefits of the spa water, casino,
sporting facilities and true country hospitality...

1.74ha with 2 bedroom cottage. Jetmaster in living room. Bathroom
and kitchen. Barn. Single garage with entry into house. Second cottage.
This small holding has lots of potential. Water not a problem -
river frontage. 2 x 15000 Water Tanks pumped from river. Dams. The
neighbours are horse people. Situated in this rural community this
small holding would make a delightful weekend retreat with lots
of hills and dales for outrides...

Search for property in your area

Enter City/Suburb:

>> BetterBond's tips to home buyers and sellers

Why is your home not selling?

Have you had your home on the market for months and, despite having many
showhouses, and loads of people viewing your home during the week, you
have not had an offer to purchase?

When it is a buyers market, you have to make sure that your home
stands out amongst all the other homes that are for sale in your area.
Why should a potential buyer choose your home?

If you are serious about selling your home, there may be some changes
you have to make and it wont cost an arm and a leg.

We mentioned the importance of good photography in the previous newsletter.
Remember the potential buyer wants to see how big a room is, so make sure
you show the space. Dont take a photo close-up unless it is a particular
selling feature.

If your carpets are a little grubby, have them cleaned. It only costs
in the area of R250  R500 to clean and will make a big difference.
Look in your local newspaper or Yellow Pages for service providers in
your area.

Paint your walls a neutral colour, not white. Go for the creams and beiges.
It may look boring to you, but you have to take your personality out of
the house. The buyer needs to see him/herself living in your home. If
the wooden doors are dull or faded  give them a coat of varnish.
If the melamine kitchen cupboards are scuffed at the bottom, particularly
those below the sink, replace them  it is not expensive.

If you have any cracks in the walls, fill them in before painting. Its
easy  I know, because I have done it myself says Cheryl Marais,
Direct Marketing Manager for Betterbond.

Give your home a thorough cleaning. It will get rid of any smells that
we all get used to in our own homes.

Find out what price other similar homes in your area are selling for
and consider pricing your home slightly lower. If you are not happy with
that price, then you may have to consider taking your home off the market.
Overpricing is definitely the worst mistake if youre serious about
selling.

Article by: Cheryl Marais  Direct Marketing Manager - Betterbond

>> Software at its best!

CyberAgent makes canvassing easy! Use data from SAPTG,
CyberTrade and the Deeds office to do mail drops!